Folarin Balogun was instrumental in helping Monaco achieve their seventh consecutive Ligue 1 victory, clinching a 2-1 win against fellow Champions League contenders Marseille.
Aleksandr Golovin netted his third goal in four matches, giving the hosts a lead in the second half, while Balogun capped the match with a clever chip, propelling Monaco to fifth place and tying them on points with their fourth-placed rivals, just one point shy of the top three.
A consolation goal from Amine Gouiri couldn’t prevent Marseille from suffering their second consecutive defeat, missing out on a chance to reclaim a Champions League spot.
Marseille’s best opportunity in the first half came just nine minutes before halftime.
Igor Paixão entered the penalty area but failed to score, shooting directly at Lukas Hradecky.
Monaco broke the deadlock in the 59th minute.
A cross from Jordan Teze found Golovin, who managed to direct the ball into the net as goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli rushed off his line to intervene.
Hradecky was increasingly involved as Monaco chose to defend deeper, making an impressive save to deny Quinten Timber‘s powerful shot following a chance for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
Monaco withstood the pressure and stylishly doubled their lead.
Balogun received a long ball and executed a perfectly measured chip over Rulli, finding the back of the net.
Marseille threatened a dramatic finish when Gouiri scored from close range, but they ultimately couldn’t equalize, even after a late opportunity from Facundo Medina.